3 Big Announcements From 3D Systems

American Precision Prototyping and its sister company, American Precision Machining, specialize in rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing and product development. 3D Systems acquired both firms to broaden its aerospace reach while expanding its on-demand manufacturing footprint.

APP and APM are headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and bring more than 24 years of combined experienced to 3D Systems.

"APP and APM bring a wealth of experience and bench strength in both advanced manufacturing and the aerospace industry that is highly complementary to our offerings," Ziad Abou, vice president and general manager of Quickparts for 3DS, said in a company release. "This acquisition further enhances our North American capabilities and expertise."

"3D Systems is, bar none, the recognized leader in advanced manufacturing with an exceptional track record in providing the highest quality parts services globally," said APP President Jason Dickman, who was also quoted in the release. "We have been a long-standing customer of 3DS' SLA and SLS printers, materials and software, and we couldn't be more excited to join the team as it positions us to provide unparalleled parts services to our customers far into the future."

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On August 12, 2013, 3D Systems announced that it had leased a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Two days later, the company announced that it had opened a new 30,500 square-foot facility in Barberton, Ohio.

The South Carolina facility will allow 3D Systems to expand its manufacturing and distribution capacity, all while increasing its R&D and engineering efforts. "Hundreds" of jobs will be created in the process, and the company will install an interactive 3D innovation and learning center at its headquarters.

"Our continued Rock Hill expansion underscores our commitment to localized manufacturing, demonstrating through our actions that what is designed locally can be built locally," Avi Reichental, president and CEO of 3D Systems, said in a company release. "This investment is in direct response to the growing demand for our professional printers."

The Ohio facility (which will focus on high-growth filament materials manufacturing and cartridge assembly for consumer printers) more than doubled 3D Systems' footprint from its previous location. New job opportunities will also be offered to assemblers, operators and QA professionals.

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3D Systems is turning its webinar program into a complete series that will focus on professional and production 3D printing, as well as advanced manufacturing.

Each webinar (which will be hosted in conjunction with customers) will focus on how 3D printing can be used to enter untapped markets. The webinars will also examine how manufacturers can build better products faster, reduce costs and foster new opportunities for growth.

"3D Systems customers are leaders in their adoption of our 3D printing technologies, and I’m excited that we can share their successes," Cathy Lewis, CMO of 3D Systems, said in a company release.

"The webinars are insightful and informative, and extremely popular. We encourage everyone interested in advanced manufacturing or professional 3D printing applications to register for a webinar. We also recommend that you attend one of the hundreds of local 3D Printing 2.0 seminars hosted by our partners, and see our advanced manufacturing solutions in action."

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The preceding slideshow was just the beginning. Check out these other hot 3D printing stories right here on Benzinga.

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